)
Union minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas M Veerappa Moliy today laid foundation stone for a tourist facility at Konark, which will be built at a cost of Rs 36 crore by Indian Oil Foundation (IOF), the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL).
The proposed tourist infrastructure facility will comprise of a decorated pathway to the Sun Temple, a display gallery and audio visual centre with a capacity of 200 persons, snacks and ticket counter, parking center and water bodies in the area. "We hope the project will be completed within 18 months from now," said Moily during the ceremony.
Besides, the Centre would consider widening road from Pipili to Konark with the help of National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), he added signifying the major tourism potential of the palce.
R S Butola, the IOCL chairman said, the project can be completed at scheduled time only after acquisition of required land. Speaking at the occasion, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said, "the state has provided Rs 5 crore for the development of the area in last two years. It will continue to do so in future as well." The state government has provided Rs 29 crore for grid connectivity and Rs 6 crore for drainage system in Konark. On the occasion, the Central government decided to waive off ticket fee for entry into Sun Temple on Saturdays.
"The Ministry of Culture would consult with Archeological Survey of India (ASI) on this. We are also taking steps to grant classical language status to Odia," said Chendresh Kumari Katoch, union minister for culture.
Union Minister of State, Srikant Jena announced to start a school of sculpture at Konark in the name of Dharmapada, a local legend associated with the building of Konark temple. "I propose to start a school of sculpture here with an initial fund of Rs 5 crore from my ministry and am requesting IOF to contribute a similar amount. I also urge the state government to provide 10 acre of land so that the school can start next year," he said.
